Abstract: A process for modifying starch is described. The process can be used as an alternative to conventional starch modification processes, such as substitution and crosslinking. The process and resulting product can reduce, substantially reduce, substantially eliminate or eliminate the sodium level typically associated with conventionally modified starch products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of carbonyl derivatives of polysaccharides and to the oxidization of polysaccharides in the presence of nitrogen dioxide to yield carbonyl derivatives of polysaccharides. The products including carbonyl derivatives of polysaccharides, obtained by the method are also described.

Abstract: Novel aldehyde-functionalized polysaccharide compositions are described that are more stable in aqueous solution than oxidized polysaccharides or other types of polysaccharides containing pendant aldehyde groups. The aldehyde-functionalized polysaccharides may be reacted with various amine-containing polymers to form hydrogel tissue adhesives and sealants that may be useful for medical applications such as wound closure, supplementing or replacing sutures or staples in internal surgical procedures such as intestinal anastomosis and vascular anastomosis, tissue repair, preventing leakage of fluids such as blood, bile, gastrointestinal fluid and cerebrospinal fluid, ophthalmic procedures, drug delivery, and preventing post-surgical adhesions.

Abstract: Novel aldehyde-functionalized polysaccharide compositions containing pendant dialdehyde groups are described that are more stable in aqueous solution than oxidized polysaccharides. The aldehyde-functionalized polysaccharides may be reacted with various amine-containing polymers to form hydrogel tissue adhesives and sealants that may be useful for medical applications such as wound closure, supplementing or replacing sutures or staples in internal surgical procedures such as intestinal anastomosis and vascular anastomosis, tissue repair, preventing leakage of fluids such as blood, bile, gastrointestinal fluid and cerebrospinal fluid, ophthalmic procedures, drug delivery, and preventing post-surgical adhesions.

Abstract: A biopolymer thinning process is provided comprising the steps of (a) mixing a biopolymer substrate with a thinning agent and an alkalizing agent; and (b) drying the mixture of step (a), wherein the thinning agent consists of one or more hypochlorites; and step (a) is carried out at a neutral to alkaline pH and does not involve any artificial heating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coupling low-molecular weight substances to a starch-derived modified polysaccharide. The binding interaction between the modified polysaccharide and the low-molecular weight substance is based on a covalent bond which is the result of a coupling reaction between the terminal aldehyde group or a functional group of the modified polysaccharide molecule resulting from the chemical reaction of this aldehyde group and a functional group of the low-molecular weight substance which reacts with this aldehyde group or with the resulting functional group of the polysaccharide molecule. The bond directly resulting from the coupling reaction can be optionally modified by a further reaction to the aforementioned covalent bond. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions that comprise conjugates formed in this coupling process and to the use of said conjugates and compositions for the prophylaxis or therapy of the human or animal body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a hydroxyalkyl starch derivative which comprises reacting hydroxyalkyl starch (HAS) via the optionally oxidized reducing end of the HAS with the amino group M of a crosslinking compound which, apart from the amino group, comprises a specifically protected carbonyl group, namely an acetal group or a ketal group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing carboxylated starch derivatives as well a their use as osmotics in particular for use in the treatment of chronic renal failure by dialysis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dry composition which allows delivery of active agents with good bioavailability. These compositions are prepared by emulsifying the active agent using liposome technology known in the art and then encapsulating with a modified starch. The modified starch is prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis of starch after the preparation of a starch derivative containing a hydrophobic group or both a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic group. The resultant composition is a dry powder with excellent bioavailability. Further, the composition has good load levels and stability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the controlled oxidation of oligo- and/or polysaccharides containing free —CH2OH primary hydroxyl groups, using an oxidizing agent. The invention is characterized in that the oxidation reaction is performed in a densified fluid which is inert in relation to the oxidizing agents employed. The invention is suitable for use, for example, in the food, paint, paper, textile, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries, in the medical, biomedical or paramedical fields, in the surgical field, in the cosmetic industry and as agents for the complexing or sequestering of metal ions, heavy metals and radioactive elements in the nuclear industry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a chemically modified polysaccharide, preferably starch, by using a microdevice. It further relates to the use of a microdevice for the chemical reactions of polysaccharides in heterogeneous mixtures. Examples of chemical modifications are acetylation, oxidation, hydroxypropylation and the like.

Abstract: Batch process for the manufacture of oxidized starch by contacting an aqueous medium comprising already oxidized starch with native starch and with at least one oxidizing agent selected from a peroxide compound or from an alkali metal hypochlorite, and by reacting them at a temperature below the gelatinization temperature of the native starch and of the oxidized starch, the reaction being conducted in the presence of a homogeneous manganese-based complex coordination catalyst when the oxidizing agent is a peroxide compound. The resulting oxidized starch can be used as an additive for the paper industry or for the food industry.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for modifying carbohydrates using hydroxyl radicals. The hydroxyl radicals may be formed by the photolysis of peroxide in aqueous solution using UV light. Also disclosed are compositions and products comprising carbohydrates modified by the process.

Abstract: A starch thinning and etherification process is provided comprising the steps of (a) mixing a starch substrate with a thinning agent, an alkalizing agent and an etherification agent; (b) drying the mixture of step (a); and (c) allowing the dried mixture to react with the etherification agent, wherein: the thinning agent consists of one or more hypochlorites; step (a) is carried out at an alkaline pH and does not involve any artificial heating; and step (b) is carried out before the mixture of step (a) reaches the starch substrate's gelatinisation temperature.

Abstract: Processes for making ethersuccinylated hydroxyl polymers are provided.

Abstract: A method of oxidising a saccharide, by contacting the saccharide with an alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzyme selected from a quinone redox cofactor-dependent ADH, a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) redox cofactor-dependent ADH, a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+) redox cofactor-dependent ADH, and any combination thereof is described. An oxidised saccharide obtainable by the method and products, in particular food products and paper products, containing the oxidised saccharide, are also described.

Abstract: The present inventor has discovered a new combination composition using modified oxidized starches blended with shortening oil FL30™ and vegetables oil or combination of modified oxidized starches with polyethylene glycol attributed improvement in enhanced water soluble dye for encapsulation into impact ruptured projectile capsules. In a preferred embodiment of the enhanced composition, the aforesaid improvement over prior art of manufacturing native starches mixed with vegetables oil or polyethylene glycol is relates to significant chemical binding stability in the present of carbonyl and carboxylic groups, acetylation, cross-linked, physically modified, enzymatically modified, acid or alkaline treated and hydroxypropylation processes that can reduce retrogradation and syneresis, increased swelling power and solubility in free flowing attribution for greater splattering effect and completely washable solubility.

Abstract: A molecular complex of a high molecular weight carrier substance and of a medicinal substance. The carrier substance has functional groups whereby the carrier substance and the medicinal substance are bound non-covalently. The medicinal substance is insoluble or slightly soluble in water and the carrier substance is readily soluble in water. The carrier substance can be starch or a starch derivative and can have only one functional group for non-covalent binding of the medicinal substance in each molecule.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules are described encoding a starch granule-bound protein as well as methods and recombinant DNA molecules for the production of transgenic plant cells and plants synthesizing a modified starch with modified viscosity properties and a modified phosphate content. Moreover, the plant cells and plants resulting from those methods as well as the starch obtainable therefrom are described.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for agglomerating starch, to starch obtainable by said method, to a food product comprising said starch, and to the use of said starch. The method of the invention comprises the mixing of starch with an aqueous solution comprising a salt and drying the mixture.

Abstract: Ethersuccinylated hydroxyl polymers, processes for making ethersuccinylated hydroxyl polymers, and uses of ethersuccinylated hydroxyl polymers are provided.

Abstract: Modified polysaccharide polymers for use as anti-sealant and dispersant. The polymers are useful in compositions used in aqueous systems. The modified polysaccharides are also useful in detergent formulations, water treatment, dispersants and oilfield applications and as fiberglass binders. Such applications include a modified polysaccharide having up to about 70 mole % carboxyl groups per mole of polysaccharide ASU and up to about 20 mole % aldehyde groups per mole of polysaccharide ASU. The applications can also include a blend of modified polysaccharides and other synthetic polymers.

Abstract: Hybrid copolymers for use as anti-sealant and dispersant. The polymers are useful in compositions used in aqueous systems. The polymers include at least one synthetic monomeric constituent that is chain terminated by a naturally occurring hydroxyl containing moiety. A process for preparing these hybrid copolymers is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monocotyledon plant cells and plants which are genetically modified, wherein the genetic modification consists of the introduction of an extraneous nucleic acid molecule which codes for a protein with the biological activity of an R1 protein. The present invention further relates to means and methods for the production thereof. Plant cells and plants of this type synthesise a modified starch, which is characterised in that it has an increased phosphate content and/or a modified phosphorylation pattern and/or an increased final viscosity in an RVA profile and/or a reduced peak temperature in DSC analysis and/or an increased gel strength in the texture analysis compared with starch from corresponding non-genetically modified monocotyledon plants. Therefore, the present invention also relates to the starch which is synthesised from the plant cells and plants according to the invention, and to methods of producing said starch.

Abstract: The use of chemically modified dicarboxy polysaccharides for the topical treatment of the eyeball are described. The modified polysaccharides provide a carrier in solutions for the treatment of the eyeball to obtain a timed release.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of oxidized starch by reacting an aqueous slurry of starch with a peroxide compound, the reaction being carried out in the presence of ozone or by irradiating the slurry with UV light, the amount of peroxide compound used being lower than 30 % by weight calculated on the basis of the weight of dry starch. The oxidized starch can be used as additive for the paper industry or for the food industry.

Abstract: Chemically modified dicarboxy polysaccharides are described. The modified polysaccharides are useful as a carrier for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, veterinary products and the like. The modified polysaccharides can provide a timed release of active ingredients.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the controlled oxidation of oligo- and/or polysaccharides containing free —CH2OH primary hydroxyl groups, using an oxidising agent. The invention is characterised in that the oxidation reaction is performed in a densified fluid which is inert in relation to the oxidising agents employed. The invention is suitable for use, for example, in the food, paint, paper, textile, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries, in the medical, biomedical or paramedical fields, in the surgical field, in the cosmetic industry and as agents for the complexing or sequestering of metal ions, heavy metals and radioactive elements in the nuclear industry.

Abstract: Polysaccharide aldehydes are prepared using selective oxidation involving the use of nitroxyl radical mediated aqueous oxidation with a limited amount of oxidant and defined reaction conditions. These polysaccharide aldehyde derivatives having maximum effective aldehyde and minimal carboxylic acid levels making them especially useful as wet, temporary wet and dry strength additives for paper.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a starch comprising a novel percentage of actual amylose. A grain comprising the starch is also embodied by the present invention. The present invention is also directed to a plant comprising the novel starch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monocotyledon plant cells and plants which are genetically modified, wherein the genetic modification consists of the introduction of an extraneous nucleic acid molecule which codes for a protein with the biological activity of an R1 protein. The present invention further relates to means and methods for the production thereof. Plant cells and plants of this type synthesise a modified starch, which is characterised in that it has an increased phosphate content and/or a modified phoshorylation pattern and/or an increased final viscosity in an RVA profile and/or a reduced peak temperature in DSC analysis and/or an increased gel strength in the texture analysis compared with starch from corresponding non-genetically modified monocotyledon plants. Therefore, the present invention also relates to the starch which is synthesised from the plant cells and plants according to the invention, and to methods of producing said starch.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules are described encoding a starch granule-bound protein as well as methods and recombinant DNA molecules for the production of transgenic plant cells and plants synthesizing a modified starch with modified viscosity properties and a modified phosphate content. Moreover, the plant cells and plants resulting from those methods as well as the starch obtainable therefrom are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a hydrophobic starch, comprising etherification, esterification or amidation of a root or tuber starch comprising at least 95 wt. % of amylopectin, based on dry substance of the starch, or a derivative thereof, with a substituent comprising an alkyl chain having from 4–24 carbon atoms. The invention further relates to a hydrophobic starch obtainable by said process.

Abstract: A method of making a carboxylated carbohydrate is disclosed, cellulose being a preferred carbohydrate material. Carboxylated cellulose fibers can be produced whose fiber strength and degree of polymerization is not significantly sacrificed. The method involves the use of a catalytic amount of a hindered cyclic oxammonium compounds as a primary oxidant and chlorine dioxide as a secondary oxidant in an aqueous environment. The oxammonium compounds may be formed in situ from their corresponding amine, hydroxylamine, or nitroxyl compounds. The oxidized cellulose may be stabilized against D.P. loss and color reversion by further treatment with an oxidant such as sodium chlorite or a chlorine dioxide/hydrogen peroxide mixture. Alternatively it may be treated with a reducing agent such as sodium borohydride. In the case of cellulose the method results in a high percentage of carboxyl groups located at the fiber surface.

Abstract: A method of making a carboxylated carbohydrate is disclosed, cellulose being a preferred carbohydrate material. Carboxylated cellulose fibers can be produced whose fiber strength and degree of polymerization is not significantly sacrificed. The method involves the use of a catalytic amount of a hindered cyclic oxammonium compounds as a primary oxidant and chlorine dioxide as a secondary oxidant in an aqueous environment. The oxammonium compounds may be formed in situ from their corresponding amine, hydroxylamine, or nitroxyl compounds. The oxidized cellulose may be stabilized against D.P. loss and color reversion by further treatment with an oxidant such as sodium chlorite or a chlorine dioxide/hydrogen peroxide mixture. Alternatively it may be treated with a reducing agent such as sodium borohydride. In the case of cellulose the method results in a high percentage of carboxyl groups located at the fiber surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are derivatized malto-oligosaccharides and methods for the preparation thereof. In accordance with the disclosed invention, a malto-oligosaccharide is hydrogenated to thereby obtain a hydrogenated malto-oligosaccharide, and the resulting hydrogenated malto-oligosaccharide is derivatized, such as via oxidation, esterification, etherification, or enzymatic modification. The derivatization of such hydrogenated malto-oligosaccharides results in a surprisingly low level of a formation of by-products and products of degradation. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a mixture of malto-oligosaccharides is catalytically hydrogenated under reaction conditions suitable to substantially preserve the degree of polymerization (DP) profile of the mixture. The resulting malto-oligosaccharide mixture then is derivatized to form a derivatized malto-oligosaccharide mixture.

Abstract: Linear cyclodextrin copolymers and linear oxidized cyclodextrin copolymers containing an unoxidized and/or an oxidized cyclodextrin moiety integrated into the polymer backbone are described. Methods of preparing such copolymers are also described. The linear cyclodextrin copolymer and linear oxidized cyclodextrin copolymer of the invention may be used as a delivery vehicle of various therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A superabsorbent polysaccharide can be obtained by crosslinking a polysaccharide or derivative thereof with at least 1% by weight of a flexible spacer having a chain length of at least 9 chain atoms and having terminal activated coupling groups. The flexible spacer may comprise a polyalkyleneglycol with a molecular weight from about 400 to 10,000. The coupling groups may be provided by divinyl sulphone units.

Abstract: Primary hydroxyl groups in a substrate having both primary and secondary hydroxyl groups can be selectively oxidized to carbaldehyde and/or carboxyl groups by contacting the substrate with a cyclic nitroxyl compound in the presence of a peroxosulfate as a co-oxidant and by carrying out the reaction at a temperature below 30° C. and at a pH below 9. The process is halogen-free and metal-free and is especially suitable for oxidizing polysaccharides.

Abstract: A method of making a carboxylated carbohydrate is disclosed, cellulose being a preferred carbohydrate material. Carboxylated cellulose fibers can be produced whose fiber strength and degree of polymerization is not significantly sacrificed. The method involves the use of a catalytic amount of a hindered cyclic oxammonium compounds as a primary oxidant and chlorine dioxide as a secondary oxidant in an aqueous environment. The oxammonium compounds may be formed in situ from their corresponding amine, hydroxylamine, or nitroxyl compounds. The oxidized cellulose may be stabilized against D.P. loss and color reversion by further treatment with an oxidant such as sodium chlorite or a chlorine dioxide/hydrogen peroxide mixture. Alternatively it may be treated with a reducing agent such as sodium borohydride. In the case of cellulose the method results in a high percentage of carboxyl groups located at the fiber surface.

Abstract: Linear cyclodextrin copolymers and linear oxidized cyclodextrin copolymers containing an unoxidized and/or an oxidized cyclodextrin moiety integrated into the polymer backbone are described. Methods of preparing such copolymers are also described. The linear cyclodextrin copolymer and linear oxidized cyclodextrin copolymer of the invention may be used as a delivery vehicle of various therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A process for producing nitrosonium ions is described, in which a nitroxyl compound such as TEMPO is oxidized using an oxidizing agent in the presence of a complex of a transition metal such as Mn, Fe, Cu, and a complexing agent such as a polyamine. The process is useful for the oxidation of carbohydrates containing at least 1 cyclic monosaccharide chain group carrying a carbaldehyde group per 100 or per 25 monosaccharide units and per molecule.

Abstract: Polysaccharide aldehydes are prepared using selective oxidation involving the use of nitroxyl radical mediated aqueous oxidation with a limited amount of oxidant and defined reaction conditions. These polysaccharide aldehyde derivatives having maximum effective aldehyde and minimal carboxylic acid levels making them especially useful as wet, temporary wet and dry strength additives for paper.

Abstract: This invention relates to a starch based tablet disintegrant useful at low addition levels and providing equally effective properties in water and physiological fluids. The starches are characterized by their low solubility in cold water, high swelling power and labile birefringence in the dry state, which rapidly disappears upon addition of water. The preferred starches are inhibited then processed to remove a portion of the granular structure.

Abstract: A method of making a carboxylated carbohydrate is disclosed, cellulose being a preferred carbohydrate material. Carboxylated cellulose fibers can be produced whose fiber strength and degree of polymerization is not significantly sacrificed. The method involves the use of a catalytic amount of a hindered cyclic oxammonium compounds as a primary oxidant and chlorine dioxide as a secondary oxidant in an aqueous environment. The oxammonium compounds may be formed in situ from their corresponding amine, hydroxylamine, or nitroxyl compounds. The oxidized cellulose may be stabilized against D.P. loss and color reversion by further treatment with an oxidant such as sodium chlorite or a chlorine dioxide/hydrogen peroxide mixture. Alternatively it may be treated with a reducing agent such as sodium borohydride. In the case of cellulose the method results in a high percentage of carboxyl groups located at the fiber surface.

Abstract: A process for producing aldehydes, and/or carboxylic acids is described, in which a primary alcohol, especially a carbohydrate, is oxidized using a catalytic amount of a nitrosonium compound obtained by oxidizing a nitroxyl compound in the presence of an enzyme compound capable of oxidation. Further described are oxidized carbohydrates containing at least 1 cyclic monosaccharide chain group carrying a carbaldehyde group per 25 monosaccharide units and per molecule.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition that includes a material that is susceptible to degradation and a preserving agent in an amount effective to preserve the material comprising one or more reduced malto-oligosaccharide species. The preserving agent can include a single reduced malto-oligosaccharide species or a plurality of such species. Further disclosed is a method of preserving a material. The method generally includes contacting the material with a preserving agent containing a preserving effective amount of one or more reduced malto-oligosaccharide species. Solutions, powders, glasses, gels, and the like containing the chemically reactive material(s) and a preserving effective amount of one or more reduced malto-oligosaccharide species may be prepared.

Abstract: The invention relates a process of oxidizing starch wherein a root or tuber starch comprising at least 95 wt. % based on dry substance of the starch amylopectin, or a derivative therof, is treated with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a catalyst, which catalyst comprises divalent copper ions. The present invention further relates to an oxidizable starch obtainable by a process comprising treating a starch with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a catalyst, which catalyst comprises divalent copper ions.

Abstract: A hydrogel composition and methods of preparing and using the same are disclosed. The hydrogel composition comprises an oxidized polysaccharide, and a cross-linker having at least two functional cross-linking groups. The cross-linker reversibly cross-links the polysaccharide and is provided in an amount to provide dangling cross-linkers. The method of preparing a hydrogel comprises the steps of providing an oxidized polysaccharide, and providing a cross-linker having at least two functional cross-linking groups. The cross-linker is mixed with the polysaccharide at a concentration of the cross-linker sufficient to form a hydrogel wherein the cross-linker reversibly cross-links the polysaccharide and has dangling cross-linkers. The hydrogels are useful, for example, for tissue engineering, cell transplantation and drug delivery applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to polysaccharides, polysaccharide conjugates and complexes with altered biological properties, and methods to produce these polysaccharides, polysaccharide conjugates and complexes.